Tag: Colorado

Locations In The Valley. 05-07-2025

Geraint May 7, 2025 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This past week brought a mix of wild weather, scenic locations, and rewarding moments during a photo tour through the San Luis Valley.

On May 1st, I led a photo tour with my client Randy. The wind created dust plumes and walls of sand moving across the landscape, adding a dramatic edge to our image-making. Despite the challenging conditions, Randy captured some striking photographs. With just a bit of light editing, he’s heading home with a collection of print-worthy keepers.

Just yesterday, May 6, we were treated to a surprise of nearly three inches of snow layered over a bed of hail. Overnight, our deck turned into a sheet of ice, much to the delight of the dogs, who raced and skidded across it like athletes.

Back in the San Luis Valley, one of our first stops was the historic Anderson Grain Elevator in Jaroso, Colorado. It’s a compelling subject with its weathered textures and quiet presence, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop.

Locations in the San Luis Valley Anderson's Grain Elevator — Anderson’s Grain Elevator, Jaroso, CO.

A familiar landmark that I visit often, the iconic red barn, continues to bear the brunt of time and wind. Sadly, it’s beginning to lean and twist under pressure. The siding has started to give way, and I suspect the resulting gaps are funneling the gusts through, paradoxically easing the strain while hastening the barn’s decline. Its days are numbered.

From there, we moved on to another of my favorite locations, the Lobatos Bridge, a steel span across the Rio Grande dating back to the 1890s.

The view from the bridge is a photographer’s dream, with the river winding away toward the towering Blanca Peak Massif in the distance. It’s a scene that never fails to inspire.

The Rio Grande from the Lobatos Bridge, Colorado, with Blanca Peak. — Rio Grande from the Lobatos Bridge, Colorado, with Blanca Peak.

Join me at one of the many locations by signing up for a photo tour/workshop in this area.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Minimalist Abstract Art, The Square. 04-16-2025

Geraint April 16, 2025 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, minimalist abstract art in a square format.

In June 2024, I said there might be another post of random abstraction, and as I have so many of this type of image, mostly shot on an iPhone, here goes.

Click on an image to expand and click off it to go back. Enjoy!

Love minimalist abstract art in Trinidad, Colorado

I wrote some sentences and put them as prompts into Grammarly and ChatGPT. This is what they came up with, modified further by me. Let me know your thoughts.

The Allure of Minimalist Abstract Art in Square Format

In a world saturated with noise and complexity, minimalist abstract art offers a visual breath of fresh air—clean lines, subtle textures, and intentional simplicity. When paired with the symmetry of a square format, this genre takes on a uniquely balanced and meditative quality that resonates deeply in modern spaces.

Why Square?
The square canvas provides perfect equilibrium. Unlike rectangles, which inherently suggest direction, the square is neutral—neither vertical nor horizontal. This neutrality invites the viewer to experience the artwork without predetermined movement, making it an ideal playground for minimalist expression.

Less is Powerful
Minimalist abstract art thrives on reduction. It strips away the nonessential, leaving only what truly matters: form, color, space, and emotion. A single brushstroke, a subtle shift in tone, or a geometric repetition can evoke calm, curiosity, or contemplation.

Harmony in Design
Whether hanging solo or as part of a grid, square-format minimalist pieces create rhythm and order. Their visual harmony complements contemporary interiors, bringing structure to eclectic rooms or serenity to stark spaces. They don’t shout—they whisper, and in that quietness, they speak volumes.

Final Thoughts
Minimalist abstract art in a square format isn’t about what you see—it’s about what you feel. It’s not minimal for the sake of aesthetics but to create space: for thought, stillness, and connection. In its quiet, it offers a rare and refreshing clarity.

Explore the balance. Embrace the square. Let less say more.

As always, Thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

On the Road, Colorado. 03-25-2025

Geraint March 26, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, random images on the road in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, with my good friend, John. It was a beautiful day to be “out there” despite the wind, a little dust, and my allergies. I’m feeling better today as I’m indoors to avoid unnecessary pollen.

We went looking for these characters but only found where they’d been! We did find a few other places and creatures that made our day. The shot below is from a few years ago. I wanted to share our expectations.

At the old Lobatos Bridge, a road crew was inspecting the infrastructure with restricted traffic, so we walked across and stopped for a couple of shots looking north.

Blanca peak, Colorado with the Rio Grande — Blanca Peak, Colorado, and the Rio Grande.

The San Luis Valley is well known for its potatoes, and the area is scattered with abandoned bunkers attached to long abandoned farms in favor of large agri-businesses. All the more fun for us.

With the sod roof missing the midday shadows are abundant.

Raptor, red tailed hawk. — A Red-tailed Hawk, I think.

… and a Western Meadow Lark singing to its heart’s content as they do.

… and, in my opinion, the most inaptly named bird, the “Killdeer”

Killdeer at the stabilization reservoir.

Lastly, a quick stop to visit the Old San Acasio mission church. John got a tour of the history and miracles of the site. I found this painted picture on glass with some flies.

Window painting at the Old San Acacio Church, Colorado.

A great day out. Thanks for joining me, John.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

The Nature of March. 03-19-2025

Geraint March 19, 2025 No Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week’s images depict the nature of March.
The wind-swept madness of March came in like a lamb, and never mind the analogy of a lion, it morphed into a rhinoceros in an English tearoom. Haboob-like dust storms occurred earlier in the month, and again yesterday, they delayed flights and closed interstates with winds fanning the flames of wildfires.

The pictures of the Lunar Eclipse I’d planned to post this week didn’t occur due to the crazy March weather here. Thick clouds, freezing rain, and snow made sure of that.

That said, here are some images of the gentler side of March.

Chama River Road Cliffs and Windmill. — Spring Weather, Taos, NM

Here’s another short PDF I created in March a few years ago, with images from the San Luis Valley.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Blanca Peak, Monte Vista. 02-19-2025

Geraint February 18, 2025 12 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM, and beyond. This week, a road shot of Blanca Peak, the whole massif in color and black and white, followed by a shot of the sandhill cranes, soon to arrive at the Monte Vista NWR, flying over a herd of elk as they make their way north.

I’m rather partial to the black and white.

Blanca Massif, Colorado, Black and White — Blanca Massif, Colorado, Black, and White.

The cranes return every year in mid-March to the Monte Vista NWR. Let’s go!

Sandhill cranes and elk at the Monte Vista NWR, Colorado.

And just for good measure a flock of Sandhill Cranes with a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo (Rocky Mountains).

Sandhill cranes, Rocky mountains — Sandhill Cranes, Rocky Mountains.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Found In The San Luis Valley. 02-12-2025

Geraint February 12, 2025 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week the San Luis Valley, and some random images I found recently browsing for stock imagery.

Wall treatment, and lighting Alamosa, CO.

Reflection, Alamosa railyards, San Luis Valley, CO.

wooden door with pullring. — Wooden barn door with pull ring.

Red Barns, Capulin Colorado — Red Barns, Capulin, Colorado.

Red barns in snow.

White Homestead in snow with birds.

If you want to read more about the San Luis Valley. Also check out my photography tour/workshops in the area.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. Stay warm and safe. G

In the Aspens, Fall In New Mexico. 10-01-2024

Geraint October 1, 2024 14 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, in the aspens. It’s leaf-peeping time in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. I hope you’re able to get out there. I’ll have six days on the road with wonderful friends and great clients.

I did some intentional camera movement (ICM) in the first few shots. I’ve done it before, no two pictures are alike.

All were shot around Hopewell Lake along Highway 64 in NM.

A favorite spot.

Aspens and cloud Cumbres Pass, Colorado — Aspens and Cloud, Cumbres Pass, Colorado.

As always, thanks for looking. I hope it’s a beautiful Fall/Autumn where you are. G

San Luis Valley Homestead. 09-16-2024

Geraint September 17, 2024 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week my favorite abandoned San Luis Valley homestead. I think you know the one!

On a photo tour/workshop last Monday we visited the high country around Hopewell Lake, the Chama and Antonito depots on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad, and a few favorite locations in the San Luis Valley.

It rained most of the day but we were tenacious and worked between raindrops. The colors are beginning to turn and are vibrant from the rain under an overcast sky.

We worked in this location and I’m looking forward to seeing what my client Larry came up with.

San Luis Valley homestead through the fence.

Next, I’m heading out on a three-day trip, we’ll see what each day reveals.

I had a great show last weekend. Thanks to all who came out and for all the support, purchases, and many new collectors.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

Random Abstraction, Around The Block. 06-19-2024.

Geraint June 19, 2024 27 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a gallery of random abstraction in and around the block. I have many more of these taken on personal trips, photo tours, and neighborhood walks so future posts may occur. Mostly shot on an iPhone, I am constantly reminded of what a wonderful and spontaneous piece of equipment it is.

Click on an image to expand and click off it to go back. Enjoy!

As always, Thank you for looking. My thoughts are with friends experiencing the wildfires in New Mexico and California. Have a great week where you are. G

Photo Tour, New Mexico, Colorado. 04-10-2024

Geraint April 10, 2024 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. This week a two-day photo tour around northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Nature and the elements gave up some wonderful photo opportunities, beginning with Taos Mountain and the iconic grove of cottonwoods.

Photo tour, Taos mountain cottonwoods, El Prado, NM — On a photo tour of Taos and northern New Mexico.

The next stop on the photo tour was in Questa at an old house off the highway set back amongst some trees. I checked with a friend who said he would try and find me some information on this charming building and quiet setting.

House, Questa, NM — House in Questa, NM.

Following a couple of stops en route, to photograph some wild horses, we wound up at this lake in the San Luis Valley. Moody and brooding skies were the order of the day.

Lake tree, San Luis Valley, Colorado — Lake Tree, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Speaking of the skies. Highway 142 crosses the Rio Grande in Colorado between the old town of San Luis and Heading west to Manassa home of Jack Dempsey, the “Manassa Mauler”.

Sky over Highway 142, Colorado. — The sky over Highway 142, Colorado.

Continuing the photo tour, there is also a stark view of a very subdued Rio Grande from the road bridge as it crosses the river.

Rio Grande, San Luis Valley Colorado — The Rio Grande from Highway 142, Colorado.

I came across some of last year’s milkweed pods enduring against the elements. Did I mention the frigid cold winds? My guests were admirably brave, and filled with enthusiasm for whatever conditions confronted us.

Milkweed plants are a favorite subject of mine. Consider this image.

On the second day, we encountered a troupe of young Bighorn Sheep in the Orilla Verde area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument walking on the road ahead of us.

Bighorn sheep Orilla Verde, NM — Bighorn Sheep Orilla Verde, NM.

We parked the car and followed uphill and enjoyed watching and photographing them in their prime, natural environment. I can’t help but think that the one in the middle is telling them to “gather round” and show us their best side!

Bighorn sheep gathering Orilla Verde, NM — Bighorn Sheep gathering Orilla Verde, NM.

There were many more picture opportunities. I had to stop at some point. If you are planning to be in the area this year, join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll show you around.

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G